Schlesinger Library

Amelia Earhart

In 1932, the aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart (1897–1937) became the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air. Earhart—an aviator, mentor, and advocate for women's equality—was also renowned for piloting the first solo flight from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California in January 1935, and from Los Angeles to Mexico City in April 1935. She made two attempts to fly around the world in 1937. Her first attempt ended in March, when her airplane was badly damaged during takeoff in California. In June, she departed from Miami with navigator Fred Noonan to fly west around the equator. On July 2, having completed 22,000 miles of the trip, Earhart and Noonan took off from New Guinea for Howland Island. They never reached their destination and the circumstances of their disappearances remain unresolved.

From the Collection:

RENOVATION UPDATE:

The Schlesinger Library building is closed for renovation from November 2018 through early September 2019. During this time, researchers can access the Library’s collections, by appointment, via a temporary Reading Room in Fay House, Radcliffe Yard.

Since all Library collections are now stored off-site and seating in the temporary reading room is limited, advance notice of at least 3–4 business days is required. Appointments can be made via our Ask a Librarian form.

Related Collection

The Women's Educational and Industrial Union (Boston, Massachusetts) was founded in 1877 "to increase fellowship among women and to promote the best practical methods for securing their educational, industrial, and social advancement."